Genoa goalkeeper Ionut Radu is reportedly drawing interest from Arsenal as the Gunners look to bring in a replacement for Petr Cech.
In an interview given by football agent Crescenzo Cecere to Italian publication FC Inter News, the agent has revealed that his client Ionut Radu has been on the radar of Arsenal. The Romanian has impressed on his loan stint at Genoa, who have opted to sign the player permanently from Inter Milan.
Cecere also added that Radu would love to stay at Genoa. But, Inter Milan reportedly have a buyback clause, according to the agent and it will be up to the Italian giants whether they want to exercise their right to take Radu back to Milan. Cecere further added that Radu still reserves great respect and admiration for Inter Milan.
Radu’s agent clarified the transfer interest in his client.
“There are so many teams involved, including Lyon. Recently, there was also an Arsenal poll. He is a very interesting prospect since he is growing a lot, from all points of view.”
Ionut Radu signed for Inter Milan in the summer of 2013 but has only managed a solitary senior appearance so far for the Nerazzurri, with most of his time being spent out on loan to other clubs. The loan to Genoa in the 2018-19 season though, has seen him establish his presence in Serie A as a goalkeeper capable of going up against the best of the stars in the Italian top-flight.
Genoa have thus, exercised their right to turn the loan into a permanent deal, which will kick in from the summer of 2019. But, Arsenal are also interested in the 22-year-old.
Unai Emery needs to add a goalkeeper to his squad at Emirates, especially with Petr Cech hanging up his boots in the summer. Bernd Leno had displaced Cech as the first-choice by the end of the season. But, Emery is far from convinced by Leno in what is his first season in the Premier League.
Radu could be an interesting prospect. The 22-year-old could adjust to sharing duties with Leno at Arsenal in lieu of being able to play in European competitions while also having a better chance of winning a trophy, compared to Genoa, who have marginally managed to avoid relegation from Serie A.
There has been no mention of a fee that could convince Genoa to part ways with the player. But, Radu could be of interest to Arsenal, should they be unable to land other preferred targets to replace Cech in goal.
